Policy Statements
Version 1.0 — Effective date: 20 April 2026
Contents
Part 1 — Terms of Service
Platform Disclaimer
Dogs Global provides analytical tools and data to support breeders, breed organisations and researchers in managing dog populations, genetic diversity and health.
The information, analyses and simulated matings presented on this platform are decision-support tools based on available data. They show the statistical consequences of potential breeding combinations and are intended to inform — not replace — the breeder's own judgement.
They do not constitute veterinary advice, breeding advice or guaranteed breeding recommendations unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific service. All breeding decisions remain the sole responsibility of the breeder or user.
While Dogs Global strives to maintain accurate and reliable information, the platform relies largely on user-submitted data and therefore cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information. However, Dogs Global applies an extensive and continuously expanding set of automated validation checks to maximise data integrity. By creating an account or using platform services, users agree to these Terms of Service, the Privacy Policy and the Cookie & Tracking Policy.
1. About Dogs Global
The website and platform www.dogsglobal.com are operated by Dogs Global B.V., registered in the Dutch Trade Register (KvK 74101013), Jan Tooropstraat 29, Renkum, the Netherlands. By creating an account or using Dogs Global platform services, you agree to these Terms of Service, the Privacy Policy and the Cookie & Tracking Policy.
2. Nature of the Platform
Dogs Global provides a digital platform and analytical tools for storing, analysing and visualising pedigree, genetic and health-related information about dogs. The platform is intended to support breeders, breed organisations, researchers and other stakeholders in managing genetic diversity and population health.
Dogs Global operates primarily as a data platform and analytical service provider. Its algorithms — including Mean Kinship analysis, founder analysis and genome-level diversity estimation — are developed using methodologies established in conservation biology. Dogs Global maintains one of the most comprehensive cross-breed, cross-border pedigree databases in the world.
Dogs Global is not a registry, veterinary authority or breeding authority.
3. User Accounts
Access to certain services requires a registered user account. Users must be at least 16 years of age to create an account. By creating an account, users explicitly agree to these Terms of Service, the Privacy Policy and the Cookie & Tracking Policy.
Individual accounts required. Each user must create their own individual account, even where access is facilitated or funded by a breed organisation, kennel club or other third party.
Professional and commercial users. Users who use the platform in a professional or commercial capacity acknowledge that they are not acting as consumers within the meaning of EU consumer protection law.
Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials and for all activities performed through their account. The user is not authorised to allow any third party, whether partially or completely, to use his or her account. Multi-user access requires a separate organisational subscription. Fair use rules applicable to personal accounts are set out in clause 11a. Dogs Global reserves the right to suspend or terminate any user account at its sole discretion, with or without reason and with or without prior notice.
4. User-Provided Data
Much of the information available through the platform is submitted by users or affiliated organisations. Dogs Global does not independently verify the completeness or accuracy of all user-submitted information. Users remain solely responsible for the accuracy of the information they submit.
Data submission audit trail. When a user submits or modifies dog data, Dogs Global records which user account made the submission or modification to protect data integrity.
Enhanced verification for health-critical data. Where a user submits data critical for health assessment, Dogs Global may require enhanced identity verification.
Breed-administrator access. Authorised breed administrators may request verification of the source of specific dog data submissions. Dogs Global acts as intermediary — breed-admins do not receive direct access to submitter contact details.
4a. Breeding Availability and Contact Requests
Users may opt in to listing one or more of their dogs as available for breeding. The listing is visible only to registered and logged-in users. Dogs Global acts solely as a technical intermediary facilitating contact between users and is not a party to any arrangement between breeders.
4b. Questionnaires and Survey Responses
Responses to questionnaires and surveys are stored as part of the dog record permanently, regardless of account deletion. Survey responses may be shared with the relevant breed organisation. Users may opt out of identity sharing at the time of completing the survey.
5. Service Classification
- 5a. Informational Services — Data hosting, pedigree visualisation and population statistics. Provided "as is" without verification or recommendation.
- 5b. Analytical Services — Statistical tools such as test matings, inbreeding calculations, genetic diversity indicators and health risk estimates. Do not constitute veterinary or breeding advice.
- 5c. Collaborative Programmes — Population management tools developed in collaboration with breed organisations, scientific institutions or qualified professionals.
- 5d. Regulatory and Institutional Services — Data processing or advisory services to governmental bodies, kennel clubs or breed registries. Governed by the applicable agreement with the relevant institution.
6. Analytical Tools and Breeding Decision Support
Dogs Global applies established methodologies from conservation breeding to domestic dog populations. The platform shows the statistical consequences of potential breeding combinations — predicted inbreeding coefficients, genetic diversity impact and population-level effects.
The platform makes transparent why a particular combination produces a particular result. Dogs Global does not recommend for or against specific matings. The interpretation of outputs and the decision to breed remain entirely with the user.
Inherent limitations. Dog breeding can always result in disease. Not all genetic factors or environmental interactions are currently known to science. Dogs Global minimises the probability of disease but cannot eliminate this risk.
7. Scientific and Statistical Limitations
Genetic analyses and population statistics are based on available datasets and statistical models. Certain indicators are population-relative by definition — as the population dataset is updated, values will necessarily change. COI values are always relative to the frame of reference (the depth and completeness of the known pedigree).
8. Algorithmic and Model-Based Analysis
Outputs may change as new data or improved methodologies become available. Dogs Global does not guarantee that algorithmic analyses will accurately predict individual breeding outcomes, health outcomes or genetic inheritance.
Genomic and SNP data. The accuracy of genomic analyses depends on the quality of source data, correct sample identification and validity of interpretation models. Users and laboratories are solely responsible for correct sample identification prior to submission.
9. Certification Programmes
Dogs Global may act as an accredited assessment body within certification programmes. Certifications reflect compliance with defined criteria at the time of assessment. They do not constitute a warranty of health, genetic status or breeding suitability.
9a. Commissioned Expert Reports
Commissioned expert reports are specifically prepared scientific analyses produced by Dogs Global in its capacity as a specialist in population genetics. The scientific limitations applicable to standard Analytical Services do not apply to commissioned expert reports, except where explicitly stated in the report itself. Each commissioned report is subject to its own terms of engagement.
10. Dog Data and Factual Records
Dog data — factual records relating to dogs including pedigree, lineage, breeding records, health test results and genetic test results — constitutes factual information about animals and is not personal data within the meaning of the GDPR.
By submitting dog data to the platform, the submitting party grants Dogs Global a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable and perpetual licence to store, process, analyse, display and include such data. This licence survives account deletion. The submitting party cannot demand the removal, return or restriction of dog data already incorporated into the platform.
The Dogs Global database constitutes an independent database protected by sui generis database rights held by Dogs Global B.V. under the EU Database Directive (96/9/EC).
11. Acceptable Use
Users may only use the platform for lawful purposes related to dog breeding, research or breed management. Users are not permitted to: copy or extract substantial parts of the database; use bots, crawlers or scrapers; commercially exploit platform data without written permission; sell or redistribute data; impersonate another person; or reverse engineer the platform's algorithms or source code.
Photos. The platform is designed for photos of dogs only. Users must not upload photos containing identifiable persons. By uploading a photo, the user grants Dogs Global a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable and perpetual licence to store, display and include uploaded photos on the platform and in publications.
11a. Fair Use Policy — Personal Account & Test Matings
Personal account use
Each subscription is strictly personal. The user is not authorised to allow any third party, whether partially or completely, to use his or her account, login credentials or active session. Sharing access — including with co-breeders, club members, mentees, clients or family members operating under their own kennel name — constitutes a material breach of these Terms.Multi-user access requires a separate organisational subscription agreed in writing with Dogs Global.
Scope of permitted use
The platform is intended to support the user's own breeding, ownership and research activities. "Own" dogs are defined as dogs for which the user is registered on the platform as the owner or breeder.Users are not permitted to use the platform — and in particular the test mating, mean kinship, inbreeding and genetic diversity tools — to provide mating advice, breeding consultancy, pedigree analysis or any comparable service to third parties, whether paid or unpaid, unless under a separate written agreement with Dogs Global.
Soft cap on test matings
Test matings (trail breeding) involving dogs outside the user's own registered breeding stock are subject to a fair use limit. Dogs Global monitors the ratio of "own" versus "external" dogs in test mating activity and applies a daily limit on test matings involving external dogs. The applicable limit may be adjusted by Dogs Global from time to time and is published in the user interface or account settings. To benefit from the full scope of the platform, users are expected to register their own dogs first.
Outputs
Test mating outputs (including on-screen results, exports, downloads, prints and screenshots) are licensed for the user's own breeding decisions only. Reproducing, distributing, publishing or otherwise providing such outputs to non-subscribers in the context of a paid or commercial mating-advice service is prohibited.
Automated and bulk use
Automated, scripted, programmatic or otherwise non-human-pace generation of test matings, queries or any other platform output is prohibited, regardless of subscription tier. This includes use of bots, crawlers, scrapers, headless browsers and macro tools.
Enforcement
Where Dogs Global identifies use inconsistent with this Fair Use Policy, Dogs Global will issue a warning to the user identifying the conduct concerned. If the conduct continues or recurs, Dogs Global may suspend or terminate the account without further notice and without refund of any subscription fees paid. Dogs Global reserves the right to take immediate action without prior warning in cases of clear, large-scale or commercially motivated breach.
This Fair Use Policy applies in addition to clause 11 (Acceptable Use) and clause 12 (Intellectual Property).
11b. Usage Limits, Anti-Circumvention and Output Redistribution
Usage limits. Certain platform features, including trial matings (simulated breedings), are subject to usage limits that may vary by subscription level. Dogs Global reserves the right to set, modify and enforce usage limits at any time in its sole reasonable discretion. Usage limits are designed to ensure fair access for all users and to protect the integrity of the platform and its database.
Anti-circumvention. Users must not circumvent usage limits or subscription tiers by any means, including but not limited to creating multiple accounts, sharing account credentials with other individuals or organisations, or using a single account on behalf of multiple breeders. Where a breed organisation, kennel club or other third party wishes to provide access to multiple members, each member must create their own individual account under their own subscription (see clause 3).
Sharing and distribution of platform outputs. Trial mating results, analytical outputs, population statistics and other platform-generated content are provided for the personal breeding decision-making of the account holder. Users must not systematically copy, screenshot, export or redistribute platform outputs for the purpose of building external databases, providing competing services, mapping the Dogs Global database, or making platform outputs available to non-registered individuals or organisations.
Incidental sharing. Incidental sharing of individual trial mating results — for example, discussing a specific combination with a veterinarian or co-breeder — is permitted, provided it is not systematic and does not circumvent subscription or access requirements.
Enforcement. Breach of this clause may result in suspension or termination of the account without refund, recovery of damages including reasonable platform-protection costs, and any other remedies available under these Terms or applicable law.
12. Intellectual Property
All intellectual property rights relating to the software, database structure, design, analytical tools and compiled datasets belong to Dogs Global B.V. Users retain ownership of uploaded content but grant Dogs Global a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to store, process, analyse and display such information for the purpose of operating and improving the platform.
13. Data Use and Research
Dogs Global may use aggregated and anonymised data for population health analysis, genetic diversity monitoring, scientific research and statistical reporting. Such use will not include personally identifiable information unless explicit consent has been granted.
14. Data Sourcing
Dogs Global collects and integrates dog data from multiple independent sources including user submissions, affiliated organisations and publicly available registries. The resulting database is an independent compilation that does not reproduce or mirror any single source dataset.
15. Platform Availability
Dogs Global aims to maintain continuous availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Dogs Global reserves the right to discontinue or reduce the scope of the platform, to introduce or modify fees, or to suspend any user's access without giving reasons.
16. Limitation of Liability
The platform and all associated services are provided "as is" and "as available." To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dogs Global shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of Informational or Analytical Services.
Liability cap. Dogs Global's total aggregate liability shall not exceed the total fees paid by the user in the twelve (12) months preceding the event. For users on a free plan, the maximum liability is €0.
17. Indemnification
Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dogs Global B.V., its directors, employees and partners from any claims, damages, losses or legal expenses arising from information submitted by the user, violation of these Terms, or misuse of the platform. This clause applies to the extent permitted by applicable law and does not limit the statutory rights of consumers under EU law.
18–19. Privacy and Cookies
Dogs Global processes personal data in accordance with European data protection legislation (GDPR). Full details are set out in the and sections below.
20. Illegal Content and Digital Services Act
In accordance with the EU Digital Services Act, any person may notify Dogs Global of content they consider illegal via dogsglobal.com/contact. Dogs Global will assess notifications without undue delay. The DSA contact point is: privacy@dogsglobal.com.
21. Third-Party Links
The Dogs Global website may contain links to third-party websites. Dogs Global is not responsible for the content, privacy practices or availability of such websites.
22. Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute: (1) contact Dogs Global directly via dogsglobal.com/contact; (2) if informal resolution fails, parties may agree to mediation under Dutch mediation rules; (3) if mediation fails, the dispute shall be submitted to the competent court in the Netherlands. These Terms are governed by Dutch law.
23. International Use
Users are responsible for ensuring that their use complies with applicable local laws. All disputes are governed exclusively by Dutch law and resolved in the Netherlands, regardless of the user's location. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all claims must be brought in an individual capacity only — users waive any right to participate in a class action.
24. Changes to these Terms
Material changes will be communicated at least 30 days in advance via email or platform notification. The most recent version will always be available on the website with a clear version date. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
Part 2 — Privacy Policy
1. Controller
Dogs Global B.V.
KvK: 74101013
Jan Tooropstraat 29, Renkum, the Netherlands
Email: privacy@dogsglobal.com
2. What Personal Data We Collect
- Account data — email address (required), and optionally name, country, city, account preferences and organisation affiliation.
- Payment data — billing information processed via Stripe. Dogs Global does not store credit card numbers directly.
- Usage data — pages visited, features used, timestamps, IP address, browser type and device information.
- Session recording data — mouse movements, clicks, scrolls and navigation patterns via self-hosted OpenReplay. No passwords, payment information or IP addresses are recorded.
- Dog-related data — pedigree information, health records, genetic test results and breeding data submitted by users.
- Communication data — messages sent via contact forms, email or support channels.
- Breeding availability and contact data — where a user lists a dog as available for breeding, the dog's name, breed and country/region are visible to registered users.
3. Why We Process Your Data and On What Legal Basis
| Processing activity | Legal basis (GDPR) |
|---|---|
| Account creation and management | Performance of contract — Art. 6(1)(b) |
| Providing platform services | Performance of contract — Art. 6(1)(b) |
| Payment processing via Stripe | Performance of contract — Art. 6(1)(b) |
| Breeder/owner display on dog profiles | Consent (opt-in) — Art. 6(1)(a) |
| Data submission audit trail | Legitimate interest — Art. 6(1)(f) |
| Session recording (OpenReplay) | Consent — Art. 6(1)(a) |
| Non-essential cookies | Consent — Art. 6(1)(a) |
| Platform security and fraud prevention | Legitimate interest — Art. 6(1)(f) |
| Aggregated/anonymised population research | Legitimate interest — Art. 6(1)(f) |
| Tax and legal record-keeping | Legal obligation — Art. 6(1)(c) |
Upon registration, users are automatically enrolled in Dogs Global newsletters and breed questionnaires. Every email contains an unsubscribe link. You can also unsubscribe at any time via your account preferences.
4. How Long We Keep Your Data
| Data category | Retention period |
|---|---|
| Account data | Duration of account + 6 months after deletion |
| Payment records | 7 years (Dutch fiscal retention obligation) |
| Usage data | 26 months |
| Session recordings | 90 days |
| Communication data | 24 months after last contact |
| Dog data | Retained permanently |
5. Dog Data Retention
Dog data is factual information about animals, not personal data. Dog data is retained as part of the Dogs Global database under the irrevocable and perpetual licence set out in the Terms of Service (clause 10). When a user deletes their account, dog data is dissociated from the deleted account and retained in the database. The GDPR right to erasure (Art. 17) does not extend to factual records about animals.
6. Who Has Access to Your Data
Dogs Global processes all data on servers located within the EU/EEA. We do not transfer personal data outside the European Economic Area. Dogs Global does not sell personal data to third parties.
- Dogs Global staff — employees and contractors bound by confidentiality obligations.
- Stripe — payment processing only. Stripe acts as an independent controller under its own privacy policy.
- Self-hosted services — email and session recording (OpenReplay) are hosted on Dogs Global's own infrastructure within the EEA.
7. Payment Processing
Payments are processed by Stripe Payments Europe Ltd. Dogs Global does not store credit card numbers or full payment details. Users can review Stripe's privacy policy at stripe.com/privacy.
8. Automated Decision-Making
Dogs Global's Analytical Services use algorithmic models to generate statistical outputs. These outputs are informational tools to support user decision-making. No solely automated decisions with legal or similarly significant effects are made about users.
9. Your Rights
Under the GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Access
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Rectification
Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
Erasure
Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention obligations).
Restriction
Request that we limit the processing of your personal data.
Portability
Receive your personal data in CSV or JSON format.
Objection
Object to processing based on legitimate interest.
To exercise any of these rights, contact privacy@dogsglobal.com. We will respond within 30 days. If you believe your rights have been violated, you may lodge a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) at autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl.
UI Disclaimers
Test Mating / Simulated Matings
Results are statistical predictions based on available data and cannot guarantee breeding outcomes. Final breeding decisions remain the responsibility of the breeder.
Genetic Risk / Health Indicators
Health indicators are based on available data and statistical models. They represent risk estimates and cannot guarantee the absence of genetic disease.
Genetic Diversity / COI Scores
Genetic diversity indicators describe population-level probabilities and do not predict the outcome for individual animals.
Population Statistics / Breed Analytics
Population statistics are based on the available dataset within the platform and may change as additional data becomes available.
Responsible Breeding Statement
Dogs Global supports responsible dog breeding through data, science and collaboration with breed organisations and research partners.
Our platform provides tools that help breeders, breed organisations and researchers better understand pedigree relationships, genetic diversity and health risks within dog populations.
These tools are intended to support informed decision-making and long-term population management. Responsible breeding always requires the professional judgement and experience of breeders, veterinarians and breed organisations.
Dogs Global aims to contribute to sustainable breeding practices that maintain healthy, genetically diverse dog populations for future generations.
In short
Dogs Global supports responsible breeding through data, science and collaboration with breed organisations and research partners. Our tools support informed decisions but do not replace the judgement of breeders, veterinarians and breed organisations.
Version 1.0 — Effective date: 20 April 2026 — Last updated: 5 April 2026. For questions, contact privacy@dogsglobal.com.